How Patterns Work

The perfect introduction to the core principles of garment construction, “How Patterns Work” simplifies and explains the relationship between pattern making and the body.

Instead of learning hundreds of separate pattern making processes, “How Patterns Work” will break the process into simple principles that can be applied to any pattern change.

After reading this book, you won’t just be able to follow pattern making instructions - you will actually understand how and why pattern making works and be able to adapt the principles for yourself.

"How Patterns Work" has been designed with:

•     Over 70,000 words of text content.
•     Over 250 diagrams in crisp black, white and grey.
•     A clear table of contents for easy reference.

No previous knowledge of patterns or sewing required. Chapters start from zero assumed knowledge and build slowly in complexity with step by step examples and clear diagrams.

The first section of the book will answer questions such as:

•     What are darts and how do they work with the curves of the body?
•     What is seam allowance and how much should you add to your pattern?
•     How are body measurements used to create accurate patterns?
•     What are blocks and how are they different to patterns?
•     What do the basic blocks look like?

This first section of the book will also explain the overall anatomy of a pattern including the definition and uses of notches, drill holes, grain lines and body guidelines. All of the examples are shown in relation to how the pattern will ultimately be sewn, so that the principles become more relevant to real sewn garments.

A large section of the book is devoted to pattern examples that can be used as a reference library to adapt and change to suit your own pattern making needs.

The examples that are covered in this first section include:

•     Adding a seam line.
•     Removing a seam line.
•     Moving the position of a dart.
•     Turning darts into seam lines.
•     Turning seam lines into darts.
•     Increase volume evenly.
•     Decrease volume evenly.
•     Increase volume around a point.
•     Decrease volume around a point.
•     Using darts to increase volume.

All of the examples listed above are shown using both the cut and spread, and the pivot flat pattern making methods, and then also shown as a draped section of fabric on a mannequin, allowing you to really see the pattern changes as both a flat pattern, and in a more tangible 3D form.

Whether you are a novice fashion student, or an experienced home sewer this is the perfect book to simplify the terminology and principles behind complex pattern making books and sewing courses.

Designed as a companion guide to other pattern making texts, “How Patterns Work” consolidates pattern making methods into simple, memorable processes - making this book a perfect refresher guide for even the most advanced pattern maker.

Please note that this book does not include paper patterns and does not cover specific pattern drafting exercises. Instead, this book will provide you with an overview to simplify the way you think about pattern making, arming you with knowledge that can be applied to any pattern change.